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Dr. Bello's Education & Knowledge Series- Volume 1 |
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 My 2012 new year's resolution is to continue giving back to my community by sharing my research, education, training, and experience along with politics pertaining to health and eye care. My aspiration is to offer useful knowledge and value, and to provide the best possible vision to my patients.
Medicare has lowered the deductible from $162 to $140. This allows those with Medicare to use it in other areas. Most of us are very conscious of every dollar we spend, especially those on a fixed income. Although $22 doesn't seem like much, to some it might make the difference if they can afford an eye exam or not. I applaud Medicare for lowering their deductible and hope that many patients use this savings and make health care a priority this year.
 On the political horizon, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in June 2012, to determine if Obama Care is constitutionally legal, in regards to mandating all Americans to buy health insurance. Everyone is waiting anxiously for the court's decision. This will be the first time the government will be dictating that you must buy a product. As a physician, I wonder how this result will impact my patients, as well as the rest of Americans.
In the Eye World, the use of the Femtosecond Laser is being implemented to assist physicians in cataract surgery. This laser helps reduce astigmatism during the cataract surgery process. Most of my patients have refractive errors including: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. This new implementation will help patients, especially those with astigmatism, the freedom of seeing better after their cataract surgery.
 The introduction of a telescopic implant to help patients with macular degeneration has also arrived. Patients in the end stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) experience blind spots in their central (straight ahead) vision. This form of AMD impairs patients from everyday activities, such as reading, watching television, and even seeing faces. The telescopic implant has demonstrated to improve the central vision, so patients can again see straight ahead objects that are very important, such as the faces of loved ones. This new technology has gone through decades of research and development, and is a possibility to those who may have thought they lost their sight forever.
The new advances in cataract surgery, along with the break-through telescopic implant are just a few of the exciting new changes that I will be evaluating and determining if the value and outcome is best for my patients. As always, I strive to keep my patients, their family, and friends educated and informed of any and all new ideas, devices, and medicine in ophthalmology that can help improve their vision and also their lifestyles.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at:
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. In addition, please look forward to the next article in the "Dr. Bello's Education & Knowledge" series.
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 As a father of 5 boys, my wife and I have come though many challenges concerning life making decisions. This is nothing foreign to some of you, as other parents with children. During the period when our kids were young, we, as parents, were the authoritative adults who dictated how, when, where and why certain things were done.
Now that our children are older and have moved far away, (2 of mine are in California, 1 in Texas, 1 in England, and 1 in China) my wife and I are no longer in command, as it should be. Rather, we are being commanded, not only by our children, but also by technology.
More and more, it seems that keeping up with new technology (Smartphone, Skype, Texting, etc) is a necessity, if we want to stay connected to our children and other loved ones, especially when the grandkids arrive (our first is due in February 2012. Another boy!! What else!). Unfortunately, we need to learn to adapt to these new toys. I found this out the hard way, after my old phone broke down and I finally took the leap onto the information highway and purchased an iPhone.
At my Medical Practice, it is also vitally important that I communicate with my patients. To accomplish this, I must use the same tools that our younger generation uses, which is the latest in information technology. Download our APP for the Smartphone (available on the iPhone and Android), check out our QR Scanning Codes, or “like us” on Facebook, to be informed about the latest advancements in ophthalmology, and to stay up to date on our new and exciting products and promotions. It is very rewarding, knowing I can make a difference each day, in the lives of my patients. I believe that education and participation in their eye care are essential steps towards making my patients’ lives happy and functional.
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 My daily reflection made me feel I was aging too fast! In the past, even the thought of cosmetically altering my face was a taboo. It didn't fit into my stereotype of what a man should do. However, after being introduced to Juvederm, I began to reconsider my preconceived ideas. I was hesitant at first to have Juvederm, so I agreed to start small, by treating the "laugh lines" on my face. I said to myself: "What is the big deal? A little needle stick, and voila-5-10 years younger! Why not?"
Dr. Blatt performed the procedure, using Juvederm, for my laugh line area. After the quick procedure, I examined myself in the mirror. I had to admit the aging lines were immediately gone! From that moment on my life began to change; I started to feel younger.
Today, when I gaze into the mirror, I see a younger person. I feel I have a new-found attitude and reason to enjoy life, along with a little more spring in my step. I'm more willing to try new things, and buy clothes that I wouldn't not normally purchase. I also feel more adventurous! I'm less blinded by my feelings and preconceived ideas; instead I challenge them by being more accepting, flexible, and willing to change.
I am enjoying my new look and and attitude on life, and I can emphatically say that I would choose to do it all over again!
Read our Juvederm Testimonial
Read More Frequently Asked Questions about JUVEDERM
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 There is a familiar saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
What started 22 years ago as a dream, in the hope of providing good quality eye care, has become a reality. I am very proud of the past 22 years I have spent serving my patients, their families and their friends. I have also been dreaming another dream, the challenge to provide eye care in Italy. As I worked hard, trying to achieve this dream, I realized that there is still much more to accomplish here at home in Chicago.
The changes in our health care environment, with the rising cost of health care and the “politicalization” of health care, have all left me with a strong desire to turn my attention to these issues at home and to remain in Chicago to help solve these problems.
It is sometimes easier to look to new and far-away adventures as a means to sparking our professional lives, but instead, I am refocusing on our current issues closer to home. The new desire is refueling my aspirations to improve not only our quality, but our ability to service our patients while practicing medicine.
Returning to being “a sole provider” will bring me back to my start and allow me to focus more on my patients and their concerns. I am glad to return to the past.
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